JO-YI CAFE

Managed to learn about the new JO-YI 觉意 when we were passing through the Bedok neighborhood — these folks are a new addition to the stretch of shop units located at the foot of Blk 136 Bedok North Avenue 3. JO-YI 觉意 takes over the former premises of the now-defunct outlet of hay, gelato. there, being an establishment that not only serves up gelato in cups of with waffles, but also vegetarian dim sum alongside beverage options like coffee, matcha, soda fizz, and both western / Chinese tea.

The availability of vegetarian dim sum was the main draw that brought us to JO-YI 觉意; the selection of vegetarian dim sum on the menu at JO-YI 觉意 is not particularly wide, with only six (6) items being made available for patrons to choose from — think items like Chee Cheong Fun, Chwee Kueh, Siew Mai, Pandan Chicken, Lotus Leaf Rice, and Bags of Blessings. There isn’t much being described about the Pandan Chicken on its menu; the only description being “juicy chicken wrapped in Pandan leaf” — the Pandan Chicken also coming in a portion size of five (5) pieces per serving. Considering how these are vegetarian-friendly offerings of Pandan Chicken, these are actually clusters of mushrooms shaped in a way similar to that of Pandan Chicken that is wrapped within the Pandan leaves. We did find that the level of savouriness does come quite similar to what one would expect out of a typical Thai-style Pandan Chicken offering with the texture of the mushrooms coming quite similar to that of a juicy and tender chunk of chicken without being as greasy as what the usual tends to be; some parts also coming a little crisp around the side though not quite the same as what one would expect from the usual. That being said, the lack of distinct gingery and lemongrass notes does make it fall a little short from the general flavours for such an item. Overall, still quite a decent attempt by these folks to serve up a vegetarian version of the dish.